Detecting driving and modifying access to a user device

Abstract

Systems and methods are included for detecting driving based on user-specific models for driving detection, and restricting access to an application of the user device while a user is driving. A management agent installed on the user device can collect data from sensors in a user device and provide the data to a management server, which can build a user-specific model for driving detection for that user. The management agent can then use that user-specific model for detecting when the user is driving. When the agent determines that the user is driving, it can enforce a driving policy that limits access to applications and delay or modify notifications generated by applications.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]As people increasingly rely on user devices, such as smartphones, in their daily lives, the temptation to access a user device while driving continues to cause accidents, injuries, and even deaths. Almost every state in the United States has passed laws prohibiting or limiting phone use while driving. However, these laws have not been able to overcome the convenience of multitasking while driving. As a result, many automotive accidents are still caused by drivers distracted by their smartphone.[0002]Some software applications attempt to enforce rudimentary safeguards to prevent driver interaction with a user device while driving. For example, some applications use Global Positioning System (GPS) information to determine that a user is traveling in a vehicle. If the user attempts to type within the application while the vehicle is moving, the application can block the user from typing unless they indicate that they are a passenger, rather than a driver. But a driver c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system where a management agent can detect and process different features, like turns, braking, or parking, by analyzing data collected from the user's device. This analysis can then be used as an input for the management agent, allowing it to conserves processing power.

Problems solved by technology

As people increasingly rely on user devices, such as smartphones, in their daily lives, the temptation to access a user device while driving continues to cause accidents, injuries, and even deaths.

However, these laws have not been able to overcome the convenience of multitasking while driving.

As a result, many automotive accidents are still caused by drivers distracted by their smartphone.

Current systems do not provide a way to monitor and control device usage with respect to driving.

Some applications do not attempt to detect driving at all, and others have limited detection functionality.

Because individual applications are responsible for detecting driving and implementing safeguards, it is very difficult for an administrator to govern device usage across multiple applications with respect to driving.

Further, the issue of determining whether a user is a driver or a passenger has not been solved in a viable manner.

Current systems either need data that is unavailable to a user device (such as vehicle sensor data), or rely on a user self-regulating his or herself in a manner already proven to be ineffective.

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